The Issue

Since the early 90s, the teen birth rate in South Carolina has fallen by 61% - a remarkable decline and one that should be celebrated. Rates have declined among all ages, all races, and in all 46 counties.

A Statement from the SC Campaign on the Supreme Court’s Decision that Closely-Held Corporations are Not Required to Provide Contraceptive Coverage

Monday, June 30, 2014

Today, the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that closely held corporations, such as Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood, cannot be required to provide contraceptive coverage to its employees if they object based on religious reasons.

In response, Forrest Alton, CEO of the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy issued the following statement:

“While we certainly respect the complexity of the decision that was made today in the Supreme Court, the outcome is a disappointing one. The decision a woman makes whether or not to use contraception and subsequently what method to use is a personal one – between her, her partner, and her doctor. When that decision-making autonomy is taken away and barriers are introduced, whether those be cost or otherwise, it makes it less likely women will choose to use the most effective methods of contraception consistently.”

As an agency, the SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy supports uniform access to contraception for sexually active persons. It is well documented that contraception, especially highly effective methods like the IUD, plays a key role in reducing the number of unplanned pregnancies and abortions. If we are serious about continuing to make progress on these issues, we must trust sound medical science and ensure women are able to choose the birth control method that is right for them, regardless of where they live, pray or work.”

About the issue:

According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, almost all Americans (95 percent of Democrats and 91 percent of Republicans) agree that for those trying not to get pregnant, using birth control is taking personal responsibility. In South Carolina, research shows increased rates of abstinence and increased usage of contraception have both contributed to the 47 percent decline of teen births over the last two decades.